Priest murdered in Nicaragua, report says

Managua, Nicaragua, Apr 10, 2014 / 16:40 pm

A priest who was counseling a married woman outside his parish rectory April 6 was allegedly killed by her husband, who then reportedly killed his wife and turned the gun on himself.

"I wish to express the sentiments of deep sorrow that priests, religious and the faithful are experiencing over the recent death in an unfortunate act of murder of Father Juan Francisco Blandon Meza, pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in the town of Wiwili," said Bishop Carlos Enrique Herrera of Jinotega, according to Fides news agency.

Fides reports that police have reconstructed the events that took place April 6, with the help of an eyewitness, who said the 42-year-old priest was standing outside speaking to two women when the husband of one of the women approached and shot her and the priest before turning the gun on himself.

Police are continuing with their investigations.

"The community of Wiwili is in shock, because Father Blandon Meza was known for this commitment to social issue groups and his defense of human rights," Fides reports.

Bishop Herrera told reporters that the priest appears to have been murdered by "a psychologically unstable man."

In an official statement, the bishop offered condolences to the families and gratitude for the prayers of the community.

He remembered Fr. Blandon as "a charismatic, joyful, jovial priest who inspired young people to follow Jesus Christ, who motivated our lay people to believe and to fight for respect for the dignity of the human person, the search for the common good and to show solidarity for our neighbors who are suffering."